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Abstract:

A license management device causes a wireless device to enter a state in
which all functions are restricted by overwriting key information of the
wireless device with a default key specific to the wireless device. A key
generating device generates an upgrade key specific to the wireless
device, and transmits the update key to the license management device.
The license management device can release a restriction of a function in
the wireless device by applying the upgrade key to the key information of
the wireless device overwritten with the default key.

Claims:

1. A license management device configured to manage permission of
execution of a predetermined function in a licensee device configured to
perform a function according to key information specifying an operation,
comprising: a request receiving unit configured to receive a license
change request used to request the licensee device to unlock or restrict
a function; a default applying unit configured to overwrite a default key
restricting a function of the licensee device that is key information
specific to the licensee device represented by the license change request
on key information of the licensee device when the request receiving unit
receives the license change request; an upgrade key requesting unit
configured to transmit an upgrade key generation request including
identification information of the licensee device and a function to be
unlocked that are represented by the license change request received by
the request receiving unit to a key generating device that generates an
upgrade key that is difference data between the key information unlocking
the function restricted by the default key of the licensee device and the
default key based on the identification information of the licensee
device, and a function applied to the licensee device; an upgrade key
acquiring unit configured to acquire the upgrade key generated based on
the upgrade key generation request transmitted by the upgrade key
requesting unit from the key generating device; and an upgrade applying
unit configured to apply the upgrade key acquired by the upgrade key
acquiring unit to the key information of the licensee device after the
default applying unit overwrites the key information.

2. The license management device according to claim 1, further
comprising: an upper limit number storage unit configured to store a
permission upper limit number representing a number of times execution of
a predetermined function is permissible in the licensee device; and a
reflecting unit configured to reflect a difference between a function
unlocked in the licensee device before the key information is rewritten
and a function unlocked in the licensee device after the key information
is rewritten in the permission upper limit number stored in the upper
limit number storage unit when the default applying unit or the upgrade
applying unit rewrites the key information, wherein, when the request
receiving unit receives the license change request and the permission
upper limit number stored in the upper limit number storage unit is 1 or
more, the upgrade applying unit applies an upgrade key that is associated
with the licensee device represented by the request and corresponds to a
changed function represented by the license change request to the key
information of the licensee device.

3. The license management device according to claim 2, wherein the upper
limit number storage unit stores the permission upper limit number for
each function to be unlocked, the storage unit stores the upgrade keys
corresponding to all functions and a combination of the functions for
each licensee device, and when the default applying unit or the upgrade
applying unit rewrites the key information, the reflecting unit reflects
a difference between a function unlocked in the licensee device before
the key information is rewritten and a function unlocked in the licensee
device after the key information is rewritten in the permission upper
limit number associated with each function stored in the upper limit
number storage unit.

4. The license management device according to claim 2, further
comprising, a permission status reading unit configured to read
permission status information that is information of a function permitted
in the licensee device from a plurality of licensee devices, wherein,
when the default applying unit rewrites the key information, the
reflecting unit specifies a function permitted in the licensee device
before the key information is rewritten based on the permission status
information read by the permission status reading unit, and reflects a
difference between the specified function and a function permitted in the
licensee device after the key information is rewritten in the permission
upper limit number stored in the upper limit number storage unit.

5. The license management device according to claim 4, further
comprising: a monitoring information acquiring unit configured to read
the permission status information from a plurality of licensee monitoring
devices that acquire the permission status information from the different
licensee devices; and an upper limit number updating unit configured to
update the upper limit number stored in the upper limit number storage
unit based on the permission status information acquired by the
monitoring information acquiring unit.

6. A license management system including a plurality of licensee devices
performing a function according to key information specifying an
operation, a license management device configured to manage a grant of a
license for a predetermined function to the licensee device, and a key
generating device configured to generate difference data of the key
information in the licensee device, comprising: the licensee device
including a key information storage unit configured to store the key
information, and a function performing unit configured to perform the
function according to a restriction represented by the key information
stored in the key information storage unit; the license management device
including a request receiving unit configured to receive a license change
request used to request the licensee device to unlock or restrict a
function, a default applying unit configured to overwrite a default key
restricting a function of the licensee device that is key information
specific to the licensee device represented by the request on key
information of the licensee device when the request receiving unit
receives the license change request, an upgrade key requesting unit
configured to transmit an upgrade key generation request including
identification information of the licensee device and a function to be
unlocked that are represented by the license change request received by
the request receiving unit to the key generating device, an upgrade key
acquiring unit configured to acquire the upgrade key generated based on
the upgrade key generation request transmitted by the upgrade key
requesting unit from the key generating device, and an upgrade applying
unit configured to apply the upgrade key acquired by the upgrade key
acquiring unit to the key information of the licensee device after the
default applying unit overwrites the key information; and the key
generating device including an upgrade key generating unit configured to
receive the upgrade key generation request from the license management
device, and generate an upgrade key that is difference data between the
key information in the licensee device and the default key based on the
identification information of the licensee device and a function applied
to the licensee device that are represented by the upgrade key generation
request, and a key transmitting unit configured to transmit the upgrade
key generated by the upgrade key generating unit to the license
management device.

7. A license management method using a license management device
configured to manage a grant of a license for a predetermined function to
a licensee device that performs a function according to key information
specifying an operation, the method comprising: receiving, by a request
receiving unit, a license change request used to request the licensee
device to unlock or restrict a function; overwriting, by a default
applying unit, a default key restricting a function of the licensee
device that is key information specific to the licensee device
represented by the request on key information of the licensee device when
the request receiving unit receives the license change request;
transmitting, by an upgrade key requesting unit, an upgrade key
generation request including identification information of the licensee
device and a function to be unlocked that are represented by the license
change request received by the request receiving unit to a key generating
device that generates an upgrade key that is difference data between the
key information unlocking the function restricted by the default key of
the licensee device and the default key based on the identification
information of the licensee device and a function applied to the licensee
device; acquiring, by an upgrade key acquiring unit, the upgrade key
generated based on the upgrade key generation request transmitted by the
upgrade key requesting unit from the key generating device; and applying,
by an upgrade applying unit, the upgrade key acquired by the upgrade key
acquiring unit to the key information of the licensee device after the
default applying unit overwrites the key information.

8. A program causing a license management device configured to manage a
grant of a license for a predetermined function to a licensee device
configured to perform a function according to key information specifying
an operation to function as: a request receiving unit configured to
receive a license change request used to request the licensee device to
unlock or restrict a function; a default applying unit configured to
overwrite a default key restricting a function of the licensee device
that is key information specific to the licensee device represented by
the request on key information of the licensee device when the request
receiving unit receives the license change request; an upgrade key
requesting unit configured to transmit an upgrade key generation request
including identification information of the licensee device and a
function to be unlocked that are represented by the license change
request received by the request receiving unit to a key generating device
that generates an upgrade key that is difference data between the key
information unlocking the function restricted by the default key of the
licensee device and the default key based on the identification
information of the licensee device and a function applied to the licensee
device; an upgrade key acquiring unit configured to acquire the upgrade
key generated based on the upgrade key generation request transmitted by
the upgrade key requesting unit from the key generating device; and an
upgrade applying unit configured to apply the upgrade key acquired by the
upgrade key acquiring unit to the key information of the licensee device
after the default applying unit overwrites the key information.

9. The license management device according to claim 3, further
comprising, a permission status reading unit configured to read
permission status information that is information of a function permitted
in the licensee device from a plurality of licensee devices, wherein,
when the default applying unit rewrites the key information, the
reflecting unit specifies a function permitted in the licensee device
before the key information is rewritten based on the permission status
information read by the permission status reading unit, and reflects a
difference between the specified function and a function permitted in the
licensee device after the key information is rewritten in the permission
upper limit number stored in the upper limit number storage unit.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a license management device, a
license management system, a license management method, and a program
used to manage permission of execution of a predetermined function in a
licensee device that performs a function according to key information
specifying an operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a type of sale in which a wireless device having a
restricted function is sold and the function of the wireless device is
unlocked according to a contract with a licensee. Specifically, key
information representing that a predetermined function is restricted is
stored in a wireless device performing a function according to key
information specifying an operation as an initial state, and the function
of the wireless device is unlocked by rewriting the key information
according to a contract.

[0003] A method of updating key information in a wireless device is
disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to the method described in
Patent Document 1, when a licensee designates a wireless device and
requests a support center or the like to unlock a function thereof, the
support center generates an upgrade key that is data used to update key
information of the designated wireless device and transmits the upgrade
key to a terminal of the licensee. The licensee applies the upgrade key
received by the terminal to the designated wireless device to update key
information. Further, the upgrade key is data that is encrypted by an
encryption key specific to the designated wireless device, and is itself
specific to the designated wireless device, and thus it is difficult to
apply the upgrade key to any other wireless device. This prevents a
function from being unlocked in a wireless device that is not under
contract using a copy of the upgrade key.

[0005] Meanwhile, for example, when a wireless device is added or
transferred, there is a desire to change a wireless device in which a
function is to be unlocked according to the addition or the transfer. For
example, when a function of a wireless device A has been unlocked, but as
a wireless device B is added, there is a desire to undo the function of
the wireless device A and unlock the function of the wireless device B.

[0006] However, since the upgrade key is specific to one wireless device
as described above, there is a problem in that it is difficult to apply
the upgrade key to other wireless devices.

[0007] The present invention has been made in light of the foregoing, and
an object of the present invention is to provide a license management
device, a license management system, a license management method, and a
program, which are capable of changing a wireless device in which a
function is to be unlocked.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] A license management device according to an embodiment of the
present invention is configured to solve the above problems, and manages
permission of execution of a predetermined function in a licensee device
configured to perform a function according to key information specifying
an operation. The license management device includes a request receiving
unit configured to receive a license change request used to request the
licensee device to unlock or restrict a function, a default applying unit
configured to overwrite a default key restricting a function of the
licensee device that is key information specific to the licensee device
represented by the license change request on key information of the
licensee device when the request receiving unit receives the license
change request, an upgrade key requesting unit configured to transmit an
upgrade key generation request including identification information of
the licensee device and a function to be unlocked that are represented by
the license change request received by the request receiving unit to a
key generating device configured to generate an upgrade key that is
difference data between the key information unlocking the function
restricted by the default key of the licensee device and the default key
based on the identification information of the licensee device and a
function applied to the licensee device, an upgrade key acquiring unit
configured to acquire the upgrade key generated based on the upgrade key
generation request transmitted by the upgrade key requesting unit from
the key generating device, and an upgrade applying unit configured to
apply the upgrade key acquired by the upgrade key acquiring unit to the
key information of the licensee device after the default applying unit
overwrites the key information.

[0009] Further, a license management system according to an embodiment of
the present invention includes a plurality of licensee devices performing
a function according to key information specifying an operation, a
license management device configured to manage a grant of a license for a
predetermined function to the licensee device, and a key generating
device configured to generate difference data of the key information in
the licensee device. In the license management system, the licensee
device includes a key information storage unit configured to store the
key information and a function performing unit configured to perform the
function according to a restriction represented by the key information
stored in the key information storage unit, the license management device
includes a request receiving unit configured to receive a license change
request used to request the licensee device to unlock or restrict a
function, a default applying unit configured to overwrite a default key
restricting a function of the licensee device that is key information
specific to the licensee device represented by the request on key
information of the licensee device when the request receiving unit
receives the license change request, request including identification
information of the licensee device and a function to be unlocked that are
represented by the license change request received by the request
receiving unit to the key generating device, an upgrade key acquiring
unit configured to acquire the upgrade key generated based on the upgrade
key generation request transmitted by the upgrade key requesting unit
from the key generating device, and an upgrade applying unit configured
to apply the upgrade key acquired by the upgrade key acquiring unit to
the key information of the licensee device after the default applying
unit overwrites the key information, and the key generating device
includes an upgrade key generating unit configured to receive the upgrade
key generation request from the license management device, and generates
an upgrade key that is difference data between the key information in the
licensee device and the default key based on the identification
information of the licensee device and a function applied to the licensee
device that are represented by the upgrade key generation request and a
key transmitting unit configured to transmit the upgrade key generated by
the upgrade key generating unit to the license management device.

[0010] Further, a license management method according to an embodiment of
the present invention includes a license management device configured to
manage a grant of a license for a predetermined function to a licensee
device configured to perform a function according to key information
specifying an operation. The license management method includes
receiving, by a request receiving unit, a license change request used to
request the licensee device to unlock or restrict a function,
overwriting, by a default applying unit, a default key restricting a
function of the licensee device that is key information specific to the
licensee device represented by the request on key information of the
licensee device when the request receiving unit receives the license
change request, transmitting, by an upgrade key requesting unit, an
upgrade key generation request including identification information of
the licensee device and a function to be unlocked that are represented by
the license change request received by the request receiving unit to a
key generating device configured to generate an upgrade key that is
difference data between the key information unlocking the function
restricted by the default key of the licensee device and the default key
based on the identification information of the licensee device and a
function applied to the licensee device, acquiring, by an upgrade key
acquiring unit, the upgrade key generated based on the upgrade key
generation request transmitted by the upgrade key requesting unit from
the key generating device, and applying, using an upgrade applying unit,
the upgrade key acquired by the upgrade key acquiring unit to the key
information of the licensee device after the default applying unit
overwrites the key information.

[0011] Further, a program according to an embodiment of the present
invention causes a license management device configured to manage a grant
of a license for a predetermined function to a licensee device configured
to perform a function according to key information specifying an
operation to function as a request receiving unit configured to receive a
license change request used to request the licensee device to unlock or
restrict a function, a default applying unit configured to overwrite a
default key restricting a function of the licensee device that is key
information specific to the licensee device represented by the request on
key information of the licensee device when the request receiving unit
receives the license change request, an upgrade key requesting unit
configured to transmit an upgrade key generation request including
identification information of the licensee device and a function to be
unlocked that are represented by the license change request received by
the request receiving unit to a key generating device configured to
generate an upgrade key that is difference data between the key
information unlocking the function restricted by the default key of the
licensee device and the default key based on the identification
information of the licensee device and a function applied to the licensee
device, an upgrade key acquiring unit configured to acquire the upgrade
key generated based on the upgrade key generation request transmitted by
the upgrade key requesting unit from the key generating device, and an
upgrade applying unit configured to apply the upgrade key acquired by the
upgrade key acquiring unit to the key information of the licensee device
after the default applying unit overwrites the key information.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to a license management device of the present invention,
it is possible to restore restriction of a function in a licensee device
to an original state by overwriting key information with a default key
specific to the licensee device, and it is possible to unlock restriction
of a function in the licensee device by applying an upgrade key to the
key information overwritten with the default key. Thus, a licensee can
change a wireless device in which a function is unlocked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a license management system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a structure of a
wireless device.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a structure of a
license management device.

[0016]FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating information stored in a license
management device.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a structure of a
key generating device.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of storing a
default key in a license management device and updating a permission
upper limit number.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of changing a
function to be permitted in a wireless device by a license management
device.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described
with reference to the appended drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a license management system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] A license management system includes a plurality of wireless
devices 10-1 to 10-N (licensee devices) (hereinafter, the wireless
devices 10-1 to 10-N are collectively referred to as a "wireless device
10"), a plurality of monitoring control devices 20-1 to 20-M (licensee
monitoring devices) (hereinafter, the monitoring control devices 20-1 to
20-M (here, N>M) are collectively referred to as a "monitoring control
device 20"), a license management device 30, and a key generating device
40. The wireless device 10, the monitoring control device 20, and the
license management device 30 are possessed by a licensee (a user, an
operator, a purchaser, or the like) of the wireless device 10, and the
key generating device 40 is possessed by a licenser (an administrator, a
vendor, a seller, or the like) of the wireless device 10. The license
management device 30 is connected with the key generating device 40 via a
network. Examples of the network via which the license management device
30 is connected with the key generating device 40 include the Internet
and a wide area network (WAN) connecting a local area network (LAN) of
the licensee with the LAN of the licenser.

[0024] The wireless device 10 performs wireless communication with a
counterpart wireless device 10 based on microwaves. For example, the
wireless device 10-1 performs wireless communication with the wireless
device 10-3. At this time, the wireless device 10 performs wireless
communication according to key information stored therein. Examples of a
function designated according to the key information include
communication capacity, the presence or absence of a redundancy
structure, and the presence or absence of application of cross
polarization interference cancellation (XPIC). For example, when the key
information stored in the wireless device 10-1 represents a setting in
which the communication capacity is 10 Mbps, there is no redundancy
structure, and the XPIC is not applied, wireless communication with the
wireless device 10-3 is performed according to this key information. The
key information is rewritten by the license management device 30.

[0025] The license management device 30 transmits the key information to
the wireless device 10 that is the rewrite target of the key information
through the wireless devices 10 that are connected in series by a
communication path. For example, when the wireless device 10 (the
wireless device 10 of the subsequent stage) connected to the license
management device 30 via another wireless device 10 (the wireless device
10 of the preceding stage) is the rewrite target of the key information,
the license management device outputs the key information in which the
wireless device 10 of the subsequent stage is set as the destination to
the wireless device 10 of the preceding stage. Then, the wireless device
10 of the preceding stage transfers the acquired key information to the
wireless device 10 of the subsequent stage represented by the destination
through wireless communication. In other words, the wireless device 10 of
the preceding stage operates as a router, and thus the key information is
transferred to the wireless device 10 of the subsequent stage.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of
the wireless device 10.

[0028] The key information storage unit 101 stores the key information
specifying wireless communication function that is performed by the
wireless communication unit 104. The key information stored in the key
information storage unit 101 is encrypted by an encryption key specific
to the wireless device 10.

[0029] The key receiving unit 102 receives a default key from the license
management device 30, and overwrites the key information stored in the
key information storage unit with the default key. Further, the key
receiving unit 102 receives an upgrade key that is difference information
of the default key from the license management device 30, and applies the
upgrade key to the key information stored in the key information storage
unit.

[0030] Through this operation, it is possible to restore the key
information stored in the key information storage unit to a factory
initial state of the wireless device 10. Further, the key receiving unit
102 receives an upgrade key that is difference information of the default
key from the license management device 30, and applies the upgrade key to
the key information stored in the key information storage unit. Further,
the key receiving unit 102 receives the key information through the
wireless communication unit 104 when the key information (the default key
or the upgrade key) is received from another wireless device 10 through
wireless communication, and receives the key information through a
connection port when the key information is received from the license
management device 30 or another wireless device 10 in a wired manner.

[0031] The key information reading unit 103 decodes the key information
stored in the key information storage unit using the encryption key
specific to the wireless device 10, and reads a restriction of a function
represented by the key information.

[0032] The wireless communication unit 104 performs a wireless
communication function according to the restriction represented by the
key information read by the key information reading unit 103.

[0033] The permission status notifying unit 105 notifies the monitoring
control device 20 of permission status information represented by a
function enabled in the wireless device 10 and permission status
information acquired from the counterpart wireless device 10 through the
wireless communication unit 104 based on the restriction of the function
read by the key information reading unit.

[0034] The monitoring control device 20 performs communication with the
plurality of wireless devices 10 connected via the communication path,
acquires the permission status information of each wireless device 10 at
regular intervals, and notifies the license management device 30 of the
acquired permission status information.

[0035] The license management device 30 stores the default key that is the
key information of the initial value specific to the wireless device 10,
and determines whether the upgrade key unlocking a predetermined function
is applied to the wireless device 10 according to a permission upper
limit number of function unlocking decided according to a contract
between the licensee and the licenser. Here, the upgrade key represents
difference data between the key information used to unlock a
predetermined function and the default key. Thus, the upgrade key is data
that differs according to each wireless device 10 even when used to
unlock the same function. Here, as an optional function that can be
unlocked in the present embodiment, there are three types of functions
including a function (capacity) of increasing the communication capacity,
a function (redundancy) of applying the redundancy structure, and a
function (XPIC) of applying the XPIC. However, any other optional
function may be used. For example, when the capacity function is applied,
the communication capacity is increased from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. In
other words, as the upgrade key applicable to a certain wireless device
10, there are 7 types including a capacity application, a redundancy
application, an XPIC application, a capacity/redundancy application, a
capacity/XPIC application, a redundancy/XPIC application, and a
capacity/redundancy/XPIC application. The upgrade key in which the
functions are combined in addition to the upgrade key of each function is
used because the upgrade key is difference data that can be applied only
to the default key. The upgrade key is encrypted by the encryption key
specific to the corresponding wireless device 10. Thus, even when the
upgrade key issued to a certain wireless device 10 is illegally copied
and applied to the key information of another wireless device 10, since
it is difficult to decode the upgrade key using the encryption key of the
other wireless device 10, it is possible to prevent illegal use of the
upgrade key.

[0036]FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of
the license management device 30.

[0038] The communication unit 301 receives the default key and an
increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number from the key
generating device 40 connected via a network. The communication unit 301
transmits an upgrade key generation request of the wireless device 10 to
the key generating device 40, and receives a corresponding update key
from the key generating device 40.

[0039] The key recording unit 302 stores the default key received by the
communication unit 301 in the key storage unit 303.

[0040] The key storage unit 303 stores the default key in association with
the identification information of the wireless device 10.

[0041] The upper limit number managing unit 304 updates the permission
upper limit number stored in the upper limit number storage unit 305
based on the increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number
received by the communication unit 301. Further, the upper limit number
managing unit 304 increases or decreases the permission upper limit
number stored in the upper limit number storage unit 305 when the key
extracting unit 306 reads the default key from the key storage unit 303
and the communication unit 301 receives the upgrade key. Further, the
upper limit number managing unit 304 updates the permission upper limit
number stored in the upper limit number storage unit 305 based on
information acquired by the monitoring information acquiring unit 309.

[0042] The upper limit number storage unit 305 stores the permission upper
limit number representing a number of times execution of each function
unlocked in the wireless device 10 can be allowed.

[0043] The key extracting unit 306 receives a license change request used
to request function unlocking or function restriction from the wireless
device 10 of the licensee. The license change request includes the
identification information of the wireless device 10 on which a function
is to be unlocked or restricted and a corresponding function when the
function is unlocked. The key extracting unit 306 extracts the default
key associated with the identification information included in the
license change request from the key storage unit 303. Further, the key
extracting unit 306 acquires the upgrade key received by the
communication unit 301.

[0044] The permission status reading unit 307 reads the permission status
information that is information of a function permitted in the wireless
device 10 from the wireless device 10. Specifically, the permission
status information is information representing an unlocked function among
functions restricted by the default key.

[0045] The key applying unit 308 records the default key extracted by the
key extracting unit 306 in the wireless device 10 of the target as the
key information, and applies the upgrade key extracted by the key
extracting unit 306 to the key information of the wireless device 10 of
the target.

[0046] The monitoring information acquiring unit 309 acquires information
representing a function enabled in each wireless device 10 monitored by
the monitoring control device 20 from the monitoring control device 20.

[0047] FIGS. 4A to 4B are diagrams illustrating information stored in the
license management device 30. The key storage unit 303 stores the default
key specific to the wireless device 10 in association with the
identification information of the wireless device 10 as illustrated in
FIG. 4A. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the wireless
device 10 is in the initial state, it is assumed that the communication
capacity is restricted to, for example, 10 Mbps, and there is no
permitted optional function. In other words, in the present embodiment,
when the wireless device 10 uses the default key as the key information,
the wireless device 10 is assumed to have the communication capacity of
10 Mbps and perform communication at a setting in which the optional
function such as the redundancy structure or the XPIC is not applied. The
default key is encrypted by the encryption key specific to the
corresponding wireless device 10. Further, information stored in the key
storage unit 303 is encrypted by the encryption key specific to the
license management device 30. Thus, it is possible to prevent the default
key from being illegally used even when information stored in the key
storage unit 303 is extracted by illegal access.

[0048] The upper limit number storage unit 305 stores the permission upper
limit number of the function in association with the function as
illustrated in FIG. 4B. The upper limit number storage unit 305 stores
the permission upper limit number in association with a single function
rather than a function and a function combination. Thus, when the upgrade
key received by the communication unit 301 represents the capacity/XPIC
application, the upper limit number managing unit 304 reduces the
permission upper limit number that is stored in associated with the
capacity in the upper limit number storage unit 305 and the permission
upper limit number that is stored in associated with the XPIC in the
upper limit number storage unit 305 one at a time.

[0049] The key generating device 40 receives the identification
information of the wireless device 10 sold by the licenser, and generates
the default key and the upgrade key to be applied to the wireless device
10. Further, the key generating device 40 decides whether the permission
upper limit number by which execution of a predetermined function can be
allowed in the wireless device 10 possessed by the licensee is to be
increased or decreased based on a license contract between the licenser
and the licensee. The permission upper limit number is calculated for
each function. For example, the permission upper limit number is set to
differ according to each function, for example, the number of the
wireless devices 10 to which the XPIC is allowed to be applied is set to
be five (5), and the number of the wireless devices 10 to which the
redundancy structure is allowed to be applied is set to be two (2).

[0050]FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the structure of
the key generating device 40.

[0052] The wireless device information storage unit 401 stores the
identification information of the wireless device 10 sold by the licenser
and the encryption key specific to the wireless device 10.

[0053] The default key generating unit 402 generates the default key
specific to the wireless device 10 by encrypting the default key using
the encryption key that is stored in the wireless device information
storage unit 401 in association with the identification information of
the wireless device 10 received by the communication unit 406.

[0054] The upgrade key generating unit 403 generates the upgrade key
specific to the wireless device 10 based on the identification
information of the wireless device 10 and a function to be applied, which
are represented by the upgrade key generation request received by the
communication unit 406. Specifically, the upgrade key generating unit 403
generates the upgrade key by generating a difference between an
information key used to unlock the function represented by the upgrade
key generation request and the default key and encrypting the difference
using the encryption key that is stored in the wireless device
information storage unit 401 in association with the identification
information of the wireless device 10 represented by the upgrade key
generation request.

[0055] The upper limit number increase/decrease value storage unit 404
stores the increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number
by which execution of a predetermined function can be permitted in the
wireless device 10 possessed by the licensee. The increase/decrease value
of the permission upper limit number is set by the licenser for each
contract between the licensee and the licenser.

[0056] The upper limit number increase/decrease value reading unit 405
reads the increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number
stored in the upper limit number increase/decrease value storage unit
404, and outputs the increase/decrease value of the permission upper
limit number to the communication unit 406. At this time, the upper limit
number increase/decrease value reading unit 405 rewrites the
increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number stored in
the upper limit number increase/decrease value storage unit to zero (0).

[0057] The communication unit 406 transmits the default key and the
increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number to the
license management device 30 via the network. Further, the communication
unit 406 receives the upgrade key generation request from the license
management device 30 via the network, and transmits the upgrade key
generated according to the upgrade key generation request to the license
management device 30.

[0058] Next, an operation of the license management system according to
the present embodiment will be described.

[0059]FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of recording
the default key and updating the permission upper limit number in the
license management device 30.

[0060] When the licensee starts license management through the license
management device 30 or when the licensee has newly purchased the
wireless device 10, the licensee requests the key generating device 40 of
the licenser to generate the default key of the new wireless device 10
via the network. The key generation request includes the identification
information of the wireless device 10 to which the generated default key
is applied.

[0062] Then, the upper limit number increase/decrease value reading unit
405 reads the increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit
number stored in the upper limit number increase/decrease value storage
unit 404, and rewrites the increase/decrease value of the permission
upper limit number stored in the upper limit number increase/decrease
value storage unit 404 to 0 (step S503). Then, the communication unit 406
encrypts the default key generated in step S502 and the increase/decrease
value of the permission upper limit number read in step S503 using the
encryption key specific to the license management device 30, and
transmits the default key and the increase/decrease value of the
permission upper limit number to the license management device 30 via the
network (step S504). At this time, the communication unit 406 transmits
the default key in association with the identification information of the
wireless device 10 to which the default key is applied.

[0063] When the key generating device 40 transmits the default key and the
increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number, the
communication unit 301 receives the default key and the increase/decrease
value of the permission upper limit number (step S505). Then, the key
recording unit 302 records the default key received by the communication
unit 301 in the key storage unit 303 in association with the
identification information of the wireless device 10 (step S506).

[0064] Further, the upper limit number managing unit 304 adds the
increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number received by
the communication unit 301 to the permission upper limit number stored in
the upper limit number storage unit 305 (step S507).

[0065] Through the above process, the default key generated by the key
generating device 40 is recorded in the license management device 30, and
the increase/decrease value of the permission upper limit number
generated by the key generating device 40 is applied to the license
management device 30.

[0066] Next, an operation of updating a function permitted in the wireless
device 10 by the license management device 30 will be described.

[0067]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of updating a
function permitted in the wireless device 10 by the license management
device 30.

[0068] When the licensee of the wireless device 10 inputs the license
change request used to request the license management device 30 to unlock
or restrict a function of the wireless device 10, the key extracting unit
306 receives the license change request (step S601). The license change
request includes the identification information of the wireless device 10
of the target and a corresponding function when the function is unlocked.
Then, the permission status reading unit 307 reads the permission status
information representing the function permitted in the wireless device 10
from the wireless device 10 represented by the identification information
included in the license change request (step S602).

[0069] Then, the key extracting unit 306 extracts the default key
associated with the identification information included in the license
change request from the key storage unit 303 (step S603). Then, the key
applying unit 308 records the default key extracted by the key extracting
unit 306 in the wireless device 10 represented by the identification
information included in the license change request, that is, in the
wireless device 10 of the target as the key information (step S604).
Then, the upper limit number managing unit 304 adds 1 to the permission
upper limit number associated with the permitted function represented by
the permission status information read by the permission status reading
unit 307 among the permission upper limit numbers stored in the upper
limit number storage unit 305 (step S605). Through this operation, it is
possible to apply the default key to the wireless device 10, restrict all
functions permitted in the wireless device 10, and increase the
permission upper limit numbers of the restricted functions.

[0070] Then, the key extracting unit 306 determines whether the license
change request includes information representing a function to be
unlocked (step S606). When the key extracting unit 306 determines that
the license change request includes information representing a function
to be unlocked (YES in step S606), the upper limit number managing unit
304 determines whether all of the permission upper limit numbers
associated with the functions to be unlocked that are represented by the
license change request are 1 or more (step S607). When all of the
permission upper limit numbers stored in the upper limit number storage
unit 305 are determined to be 1 or more (YES in step S607), the key
extracting unit 306 transmits the upgrade key generation request used to
request generation of the upgrade key associated with the function to be
unlocked or a combination of functions that is represented by the license
change request to the key generating device 40 from the key storage unit
303 via the network (step S608).

[0071] When the communication unit 406 of the key generating device 40
receives the upgrade key generation request from the license management
device 30, the upgrade key generating unit 403 reads the encryption key
associated with the identification information of the wireless device 10
represented by the generation request from the wireless device
information storage unit 401. Then, the upgrade key generating unit 403
generates the key information used to unlock the function based on the
function or the combination of the functions represented by the
generation request. Then, the upgrade key generating unit 403 generates
the upgrade key by generating difference data between the generated key
information and the default key and encrypting the read encryption key.
The communication unit 406 transmits the upgrade key generated by the
upgrade key generating unit 403 to the license management device 30.

[0072] When the communication unit 301 of the license management device 30
receives the upgrade key from the key generating device 40 (step S609),
the key applying unit 308 applies the received upgrade key to the key
information of the wireless device 10 represented by the identification
information included in the license change request (step S610).

[0073] Then, the upper limit number managing unit 304 subtracts 1 from the
permission upper limit number associated with the function to be unlocked
that is represented by the license change request among the permission
upper limit numbers stored in the upper limit number storage unit 305
(step S611), and then the process ends. Through this operation, it is
possible to apply the upgrade key to the wireless device 10, unlock the
function of the wireless device 10, and reduce the permission upper limit
number of the unlocked function.

[0074] Meanwhile, when the license change request is determined to include
no information representing a function to be unlocked in step S606 (NO in
step S606) or when it is determined in step S607 that there is a function
in which the upper limit numbers stored in the upper limit number storage
unit 305 are zero (0) (NO in step S607), the process of applying the
upgrade key is not performed, and the process ends. Further, when it is
determined in step S607 that there is a function in which the upper limit
numbers stored in the upper limit number storage unit 305 are zero (0)
(NO in step S607), it is desirable to output an error message such as
"the number of licenses of the selected function is insufficient" before
the process ends.

[0075] Next, a permission upper limit number management operation in the
license management device 30 will be described.

[0076] When the licensee has purchased a new management device from the
licenser and a predetermined function in the management device has been
unlocked in advance, the upper limit number stored in the upper limit
number storage unit 305 of the license management device 30 needs to be
updated according to the unlocked function. Thus, in the present
embodiment, the permission status information that is information of a
function permitted in the wireless device 10 using the monitoring control
device 20 is collected, and the permission upper limit number is updated
based on the permission status information at regular intervals.

[0077] Specifically, the monitoring control device 20 acquires the
permission status information from the plurality of wireless devices 10
connected via the communication path at regular intervals, and notifies
the license management device 30 of the permission status information.
Further, when the wireless devices 10 connected to the monitoring control
device 20 are connected in series as illustrated in FIG. 1, the
permission status information is acquired from all the wireless devices
10 that are connected in series. In other words, the wireless device 10
(the wireless device 10 of the subsequent stage) connected to the
monitoring control device 20 via another wireless device 10 (the wireless
device 10 of the preceding stage) transmits its permission status
information to the wireless device 10 of the preceding stage, and the
wireless device 10 of the preceding stage transmits its permission status
information to the monitoring control device 20 together with the
permission status information received from the wireless device 10 of the
subsequent stage.

[0078] Then, when the monitoring information acquiring unit 309 of the
license management device 30 acquires the permission status information
from all the monitoring control devices 20, the upper limit number
managing unit 304 calculates a permission number in the wireless device
10 for each function based on all pieces of acquired permission status
information. Then, the current permission upper limit number can be
calculated by subtracting the calculated permission number from a
permission number determined according to the contract. Then, the upper
limit number managing unit 304 overwrites the calculated permission upper
limit number in the upper limit number storage unit 305.

[0079] Through this operation, when the number of the wireless devices 10
of the management target increases, the license management device 30 can
update the permission upper limit number stored in the upper limit number
storage unit 305. Further, as the license management device 30 acquires
the permission status information from the plurality of wireless devices
10 through the monitoring control device 20, it is possible to avoid
congestion in the communication path between the wireless device 10 and
the license management device 30 in the process of updating the
permission upper limit number.

[0080] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the
license management device 30 can overwrite the key information with the
default key specific to the wireless device 10 and cause the wireless
device 10 to enter the state (default state) in which all functions are
restricted. Further, the license management device 30 can release a
restriction of a function in the wireless device 10 by applying the
upgrade key to the key information overwritten with the default key. In
other words, when the licensee desires to change a function unlocking
target from a certain wireless device 10 to another wireless device 10,
the licensee can change the wireless device 10 in which a restriction of
a function is to be unlocked by inputting the license change request used
to request unlocking of the function in the certain wireless device 10 to
the license management device 30 and inputting the license change request
used to request unlocking of the function in another wireless device 10
to the license management device 30.

[0081] Further, according to the present embodiment, the license
management device 30 updates the permission upper limit number stored in
the upper limit number storage unit 305 when the key applying unit 308
applies the default key or the upgrade key to the wireless device 10.
Further, the key applying unit 308 does not apply the upgrade key to the
wireless device 10 when the permission upper limit number is 0. Through
this operation, the license management device 30 can restrict or unlock a
function of the wireless device 10 within the range of the permission
number decided according to the contract between the licenser and the
licensee.

[0082] Further, according to the present embodiment, the license
management device 30 is connected with the key generating device 40 via
the network. Thus, the license management device 30 can issue the key
generation request to the key generating device 40 on demand according to
the licensee's request. Thus, the license management device 30 can
acquire the upgrade key requested by the licensee without delay even when
the upgrade key is not stored in advance.

[0083] Further, when the upgrade keys of all patterns are stored in
advance and a new license form is added, the license management device 30
needs to update a table in which the upgrade keys are stored. However,
according to the present embodiment, even when a new license form is
added, the key generating device 40 can flexibly cope with a change in a
license form since the upgrade key is generated on demand.

[0084] The exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the concrete
structure is not limited to the above example, and various design changes
or the like can be made within the scope not departing from the gist of
the invention.

[0085] For example, the present embodiment has been described in
connection with the example in which, each time the license change
request is received, the permission status reading unit 307 reads the
permission status information from the wireless device 10, and updates
the permission upper limit number based on the permission status
information, but the invention is not limited to this example. For
example, the permission status information acquired from the monitoring
control device 20 by the monitoring information acquiring unit 309 may be
stored, and the permission upper limit number may be updated based on the
permission status information.

[0086] Further, the present embodiment has been described in connection
with the example in which the upper limit number storage unit 305 stores
the permission upper limit number for each function, but the invention is
not limited to this example. For example, the upper limit number storage
unit 305 may store the permission upper limit number for each upgrade
key. For example, the permission upper limit number may be stored for
each upgrade key such that the permission upper limit number of the
upgrade key of the capacity application is 5, the permission upper limit
number of the upgrade key of the redundancy application is 5, and the
permission upper limit number of the upgrade key of the
capacity/redundancy application is 1. In this case, the capacity and the
redundancy are applied to one wireless device 10.

[0087] Further, the present embodiment has been described in connection
with the example in which the license management device 30 receives and
stores the default key from the key generating device 40 in advance, but
the invention is not limited to this example. For example, the key
generating device 40 may generate the default key as well as the upgrade
key each time there is a change request

[0088] The wireless device 10, the monitoring control device 20, the
license management device 30, and the key generating device 40 have an
internal computer system. An operation of each processing unit is stored
in a computer readable recording medium in a program form, and the
above-described process is performed as the program is read and executed
by a computer. Here, examples of the computer readable recording medium
include a magnetic disk, a magneto optical disc, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and
a semiconductor memory. Further, the computer program may be delivered to
the computer via a communication line, and the computer may execute the
delivered program.

[0089] Further, the program may be configured to implement a part of the
above-described function.

[0090] In addition, the program may be a so-called differential file (a
differential program) that can implement the above-described function by
a combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0091] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-157658,
filed Jul. 19, 2011, the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0092] According to the license management device of the present
invention, it is possible to change a wireless device of a function
unlocking target.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0093] 10 Wireless device

[0094] 10-1 Wireless device

[0095] 10-N Wireless device

[0096] 20 Monitoring control device

[0097] 20-1 Monitoring control device

[0098] 20-M Monitoring control device

[0099] 30 License management device

[0100] 40 Key generating device

[0101] 301 Communication unit

[0102] 302 Key recording unit

[0103] 303 Key storage unit

[0104] 304 Upper limit number managing unit

[0105] 305 Upper limit number storage unit

[0106] 306 Key extracting unit

[0107] 307 Permission status reading unit

[0108] 308 Key applying unit

[0109] 309 Monitoring information acquiring unit

[0110] 401 Wireless device information storage unit

[0111] 402 Default key generating unit

[0112] 403 Upgrade key generating unit

[0113] 404 Upper limit number increase/decrease value storage unit

[0114] 405 Upper limit number increase/decrease value reading unit

[0115] 406 Communication unit

Patent applications by NEC Corporation

Patent applications in class PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORIZED USE OF DATA INCLUDING PREVENTION OF PIRACY, PRIVACY VIOLATIONS, OR UNAUTHORIZED DATA MODIFICATION

Patent applications in all subclasses PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORIZED USE OF DATA INCLUDING PREVENTION OF PIRACY, PRIVACY VIOLATIONS, OR UNAUTHORIZED DATA MODIFICATION